UCLA

Biochemistry Seminar Series - Prof. Linlin Zhao
2023-02-10 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Title: Exploiting Abasic Site Chemistry to Decipher Mitochondrial Genome Biology
Abstract: Human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encodes 37 essential genes and plays a critical role in mitochondrial and cellular functions. Compared to nuclear DNA (nDNA), mtDNA is more susceptible to chemical modifications by endogenous and exogenous factors partly due to its proximity to the oxidative phosphorylation system and the lack of certain DNA repair pathways. Our research aims to understand the chemical and molecular mechanisms by which DNA modifications are processed in the mitochondrial genome and their implications in human diseases. In this seminar, I will discuss our recent efforts to probe the role of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) in damaged mtDNA degradation. We focus on a prevalent type of DNA modification, i.e., abasic (AP) sites, formed by the loss of nucleobases during natural depurination or depyrimidination and DNA repair. We used biochemical and cellular assays to demonstrate that TFAM accelerates DNA scission at AP sites. The reaction produces chemically reactive entities at the DNA terminus and leads to secondary products, such as TFAM-DNA cross-links and glutathionylated DNA single-strand breaks, which could serve as triggers for mtDNA degradation and the recruitment of additional proteins. We have also identified the cross-linking amino acids of TFAM using mass spectrometry. Together, our research demonstrates the involvement of TFAM in processing AP DNA damage in mitochondria. Last but not least, I will discuss how we exploit the chemistry of AP sites to develop specific chemical probes to label and enrich AP-DNA. We have successfully used the workflow to map AP sites and DNA alkylation modifications using next-generation sequencing in cultured human cells.
Linlin Zhao Flyer

Organic Student Seminar 248: Brady Dehnert
2023-02-13 15:00 - 15:50 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

Physical Chemistry Seminar 228: Anton Van der Ven
2023-02-13 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Prof Van der Ven Flyer
Title: From Electronic Structure to Battery Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Abstract: Most electrochemical processes can be modeled with powerful phenomenological theories that describe ion transport, interface reactions and mechanical responses. Phenomenological descriptions, however, rely on materials specific coefficients and free energies, which are quantities that are often difficult to measure in isolation. An alternative to an experimental approach is to predict these quantities from first principles. Since electrochemical processes are thermally activated, temperature and entropy play an important role. The prediction of materials properties, therefore, requires a statistical mechanics approach. In this talk I will describe a generalized framework with which to connect the electronic structure of crystalline solids to their equilibrium and kinetic properties at the macroscopic scale. I will illustrate how the application of first-principles statistical mechanics can generate crucial ingredients for phenomenological models of electrochemical processes, including composition dependent free energies and open circuit voltage profiles, ionic transport coefficients and chemo-mechanical response functions. The capability to predict thermodynamic and kinetic properties of electrode materials is allowing us to explore and design new battery chemistries and concepts. Electrode materials for Li, Na and Mg ion batteries undergo a series of phase transformations as a result of large changes in concentration during each charge and discharge cycle. While the mechanisms of these phase transformations remain poorly characterized, they can to an extent be understood with first-principles multi-scale approaches.

Chem 218 Student Exit Seminar: Ashley Shin
2023-02-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium 247: Wei Liu
2023-02-16 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Prof Liu Flyer
Copper-Catalyzed Coupling Reactions: Mechanism, Catalysis, and Applications in Life Sciences
Abstract: Owing to their many attractive characteristics, copper catalysts represent appealing alternatives to precious metal catalysts, although various limitations remain in copper-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. Recently, we and others recognized that copper catalysis presents a powerful strategy to functionalize sp3 hybridized carbon radicals for the construction of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds. In this talk, I will discuss our group’s recent efforts in understanding the mechanism of copper catalysis and developing new copper-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions.

Biochemistry Seminar Series - Prof. Jonathan Abraham
2023-02-17 15:30 - 16:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Title: Mechanisms of immune evasion by the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
Jonathan Abraham Flyer

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series: Seth Cohen
2023-02-22 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Prof. Seth Cohen Flyer
Title: Exploring MOF-Polymer Hybrid Materials
Abstract: Hybrid materials of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and polymers have gained interest as processible composites that might be suitable for a wide range of applications. A number of approaches have been pursued to create MOF-polymer composites, including mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) prepared with MOFs, polymer-decorated MOF particles, and MOFs constructed from polymer buidling blocks referred to as polyMOFs. The design, synthesis, and unusual properties of these MOF-polymer composite materials will be presented and discussed.

Special Physical Chemistry Seminar 228: Jörg Enderlein
2023-02-23 11:00 - 12:00 | Young Hall 2033
Enderlein Flyer Updated
Title: Metal and Graphene Induced Energy Transfer
Abstract: Metal-Induced Energy Transfer (MIET) Imaging is a recently developed method [1] that allows for nanometer resolution along the optical axis. It is based on the fact that, when placing a fluorescent molecule close to a metal, its fluorescence properties change dramatically, due to electromagnetic coupling of its excited state to surface plasmons in the metal. This is very similar to Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) where the fluorescence properties of a donor are changed by the proximity of an acceptor that can resonantly absorb energy emitted by the donor. In particular, one observes a strongly modified lifetime of its excited state. This coupling between an excited emitter and a metal film is strongly dependent on the emitter’s distance from the metal. We have used this effect for mapping the basal membrane of live cells with an axial accuracy of ~3 nm. The method is easy to implement and does not require any change to a conventional fluorescence lifetime microscope; it can be applied to any biological system of interest, and is compatible with most other super-resolution microscopy techniques that enhance the lateral resolution of imaging [2-4]. Moreover, it is even applicable to localizing individual molecules [5-6], thus offering the prospect of three-dimensional single-molecule localization microscopy with nanometer isotropic resolution for structural biology [7]. I will also present latest developments of MIET where we use a single layer of graphene instead of a metal film that allows for increasing the spatial resolution down to a few Ångströms [8-10].

Chem 218 Student Exit Seminar: Anthony Sica
2023-02-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium 247: Emily Balskus
2023-02-23 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Balskus Flyer

Title: Deciphering the Human Microbiome with Chemistry

Abstract: The human body is colonized by trillions of microorganisms that exert a profound influence on human biology, in part by providing functional capabilities that extend beyond those of host cells. In particular, there is growing evidence linking chemical processes carried out by the human gut microbiome to diseases such as colorectal cancer. However, we still do not understand the vast majority of the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. Major obstacles faced in surmounting this knowledge gap include the difficulty linking functions associated with the human gut microbiota to specific microbial enzymes and the challenge of controlling these activities in complex microbial communities. This talk will discuss my lab’s efforts to characterize gut microbial metabolic activities that are linked to colorectal cancer, including a gut microbial genotoxin called colibactin. Gaining a molecular understanding of cancer-associated gut microbial activities will not only help to elucidate the mechanisms by which these organisms contribute to carcinogenesis but should also enable efforts to treat and prevent disease by manipulating this microbial community.

Biochemistry Seminar Series - Prof. Lillian Fritz-Laylin
2023-02-24 15:30 - 16:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Lillian Fritz-Laylin Flyer
Title: The evolution and specification of the cytoskeletal networks
Abstract: Cells physically manipulate their environments; swimming through liquids, crawling across surfaces, and actively ingesting objects large and small. Inside eukaryotic cells lies a seething mass of cytoplasm through which thousands of different objects are pushed and pulled to specific cellular locations. These and other dynamic processes are controlled by polymer systems called the cytoskeleton. The two most common cytoskeletal polymers—actin and microtubules—evolved over a billion years ago and are still used today by animals, plants, and their unicellular relatives. Although the proteins that comprise actin and microtubule polymers themselves are surprisingly similar across species, the hundreds of different proteins that regulate their dynamics are wildly variable, contributing to aspects of organismal diversity critical to human health and agriculture. My laboratory combines cell biology, comparative genomics, and phylogenetics to understand the evolution, diversification, and regulation of actin and microtubule networks. This research program harnesses the burgeoning wealth of fully sequenced genomes and molecular tool development to (1) identify the molecular mechanisms that specify distinct cytoskeletal functions, and (2) determine how and when the cytoskeleton changed during evolution.

Organic Student Seminar 248: Jacqueline Bustamante
2023-02-27 15:00 - 15:50 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

Knobler Lecture: Vinothan Manoharan
2023-02-27 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Prof Manoharan Knobler Lecture Flyer
Title: The Self-Assembly of Simple RNA Viruses
Abstract: Self-assembly is the process by which molecules or particles spontaneously form ordered structures, driven by interactions and thermal fluctuations. The term “self-assembly” was originally coined to describe the formation of simple RNA viruses, which consist of RNA and coat proteins that form an icosahedral shell (called a capsid) that protects the RNA. Some of these viruses can be assembled in vitro, in the absence of any host cell factors. This result suggests that we can understand RNA virus self-assembly from the perspective of statistical mechanics. The central question is how a random process like self-assembly can lead to a high yield of well-formed viruses. I will discuss some potential answers to that question based on experiments that measure the kinetics of assembly of individual viruses — experiments that began as a result of a collaboration with UCLA.

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series: Tatiana Bronich
2023-03-01 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Prof. Tatiana Bronich Flyer
Meet the Speaker: 11 a.m., YH 3096
Title: Amphiphilic copolymers mediated therapeutics in cancer
Abstract: Amphiphilic block copolymers, in particular self-assembled block copolymer micelles, have been utilized in pharmaceutics for development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic modalities. Advantages of the polymeric micelles include their small size, long circulation in bloodstream, ability to circumvent renal excretion and extravasation at sites of enhanced vascular permeability. They can be designed to facilitate the incorporation of a variety of compounds or even particles through a combination of electrostatic, hydrophobic, and hydrogen bonding interactions. Combining drugs cargos with synergistic activities in a single polymer micelle emerged as an attractive strategy for the development of cancer treatment modalities with enhanced therapeutic efficacy and reduced adverse side effects. We have adopted a polypeptide-based polymer platform as the biodegradable construction material for design of micellar nanocarriers for combination therapy in cancer.

Chem 218 Student Exit Seminar: Shreya Patel
2023-03-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

Biochemistry Seminar Series - Prof. Shana V. Stoddard
2023-03-03 15:30 - 16:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Shana Stoddard Flyer
Title: Molecular Recognition: The Keys to Design of Biotools
Abstract: My lab, the “Molecular Immunotherapeutics Research” (MIR) lab studies systems which are involved in cancers, neurological disorders, coronaviruses, and autoimmune diseases. Utilizing both computational and experimental methodologies work in the MIR lab explores the basic molecular details of structure and design and its implications on the development of biotools and therapeutics. Current work in the MIR lab involves investigation of structure/function relationships in the thrombospondin repeat (TSR) domain containing super family of proteins known to be heavily involved in binding interactions in the extracellular matrix (ECM) promoting functions such as angiogenesis, cell migration, and tissue remodeling. Development of both three-dimensional protein homology models and biotools to selectively target the TSR domains would advance our ability to evaluate both structure function relationships and how these proteins participate in molecular interactions that influence ECM organization. A second project the MIR lab is pursuing is development of optimization guidelines for drug development antiviral targeting coronaviruses. This talk will detail key findings that may contribute to the study of the TSR domain containing super family of proteins, design of biotools to target TSR domains to further study of ECM reorganization and the development of both small molecule and protein based therapeutic options for coronavirus antivirals. The advancements discussed will highlight new directions for understanding ECM reorganization and binding partner interactions, and key structural parameters for development of high affinity drug candidates for COVID-19 antiviral treatments

Physical Chemistry Seminar 228: Jagjit Nanda
2023-03-06 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Prof Nanda Flyer
Title: Next Generation Solid-Electrolytes and Cathode Design for All Solid-State Batteries
Abstract: Lithium-metal based solid-state batteries (SSB) are considered to the holy-grail of the next generation battery technology for their promise of higher energy density (500 Wh/Kg), safety and providing a flexible platform for integrating a number of promising solid-electrolytes (SE) with high capacity cathodes using either a thin lithium metal or anode free configuration. The design rule for achieving high energy and fast charge SSB will be discussed with specific focus on sulfide and halide based solid-electrolytes. Most of the sulfide-based SE compositions such as Li3PS4 and Argyrodite (LiPS5X; X= Cl, Br) are thermodynamically unstable against high voltage cathodes such as NMC and hence are not best catholyte for solid-state cathodes. On the contrary, halide SEs have higher oxidative stability but poor stability with respect to Li-metal. The talk will also cover development of thin SE membranes (50 micron) for integration with cathodes and development of Na-ion based SE.

NSF Center for Integrated Catalysis Webinar Series: Long Luo
2023-03-07 13:00 - 14:30
Flyer: Prof. Long Luo Flyer
Title: Rational Design of Alternating Current Electrolysis (ACE) for Organic Synthesis
Abstract: In this presentation, I will talk about the history of alternating current electrolysis (ACE) for organic synthesis and our recent work on exploring and quantitatively understanding the unique reactivity of ACE, including mimicking the redox-neutral environment of photoredox catalysis, controlling the one- or two-electron oxidation for selective amine functionalization, and site-selective hydrogen isotope exchange reactions.

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series: Jia Niu
2023-03-08 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Prof. Jia Niu Flyer
Meet the Speaker: 11 a.m., YH 3096
Title: Sustainability-Oriented Approaches to Precision Macromolecules
Abstract: Macromolecules are ubiquitous in life and in human society. A long-term goal of our research group is to develop novel synthetic macromolecules that are degradable, derived from sustainable resources, possess a circular life cycle, or can serve as functional probes in biological investigations. In this seminar, I will discuss our recent progress in homogeneous and heterogenous catalytic strategies that enable precise control over the architecture, stereochemistry, and chain ends of synthetic macromolecules. Examples of these sustainable polymers include synthetic polysaccharides and chemically depolymerizable main chain polymers. Taken together, we hope these efforts will enable the synthesis and applications of novel macromolecules with tailor-made properties for a sustainable future.

Special Physical Chemistry Seminar by Prof. Ronnie Kosloff
2023-03-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

Chem 218 Student Exit Seminar: Patricia Poths
2023-03-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

Houk-Jung Organic Colloquium 247: Vy Dong
2023-03-09 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Prof. Dong Flyer
Choose Your Own Adventure in Metal-Hydride Catalysis
Abstract: Metal hydrides promote a wide-range of organic transformations that include both C-C bond making and C-C bond breaking processes. This lecture will highlight the development of Rh and Co-catalysts for use in enantioselective hydrofunctionalizations (e.g., hydroacylation, hydroamination, and hydrothiolation). In addition, a unique transfer hydroformylation will be described that allows conversion of aldehydes/alcohols to olefins. The presentation emphasizes mechanistic studies that showcase the role of counter-ions for controlling selectivities. Lastly, we disclose applications of these catalysts for transforming feedstocks into more complex building blocks and natural products.

Biochemistry Seminar Series - Prof. Tatyana M. Svitkina
2023-03-10 15:30 - 16:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Tatyana Svitkina Flyer
Title: Crosstalk between cytoskeletal machineries in cells
Abstract: My laboratory investigates roles of the actin cytoskeleton in various cellular activities, such as cell motility, morphogenesis, cell shape determination, cell-cell interactions and membrane organelle dynamics. Our distinctive approach toward this goal is to use platinum replica electron microscopy (PREM) to determine high resolution structure of the cytoskeleton and combine it with more conventional approaches to study dynamics of the cell, cellular organelles, or specific proteins. I will present our recent and new findings on (i) the role of microtubules in regulating assembly of branched actin networks, (ii) cytoskeletal mechanisms of clathrin-mediated endocytosis and (iii) cooperation between nonmuscle myosin II paralogs for the assembly of the cellular contractile system.

Organic Student Seminar 248: Aleksandras Lotuzas
2023-03-13 15:00 - 15:50 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

Physical Chemistry Seminar 228: Vanessa Huxter
2023-03-13 16:00 - 17:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Prof Huxter Flyer
Title: Photophysics of Photocatalytic and Radical Systems
Abstract: Photoredox catalysis has enabled researchers to overcome previously intractable problems in organic synthesis. The use of light to drive catalysis has allowed for more selective reactions that generate both simple and complex molecules from renewable and economical starting materials under mild conditions. The dynamics of these catalysts following photoexcitation determines their efficiency. A direct time-resolved photophysical view of reactions is essential to construct the full kinetic scheme, observe the intermediates, and thereby link dynamics to structure. Through the use of ultrafast broadband transient absorption and two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy across a wide range of time and energy scales, the Huxter group studies photoinduced single-electron transfer and electronic dynamics in photoredox catalytic and radical systems. These studies have revealed complex mechanisms of photoredox catalytic reactions, including the involvement of reduced solvent as intermediates, multiple photoproducts as well as many productive and unproductive pathways. Experiments on neutral radical tripyrrindione systems with tunable redox-active chemistry have demonstrated controllable spin states, reversible antiferromagnetic coupling, and spin-dependent electronic relaxation.

NSF Center for Integrated Catalysis Green Chemistry Seminar Series: Stafford Sheehan
2023-03-14 13:00 - 14:30
Flyer: Dr. Stafford Sheehan Flyer
Title: Carbon Dioxide Utilization for Sustainable Aviation Fuel at Air Company
Abstract: Power-to-liquid (PtL) technologies must be deployed at world-scale to sustainably produce energy-dense liquid fuels in the quantities needed to replace fossil fuels in hard-to-decarbonize industries. Legacy PtL pathways rely on multi-step approaches to first produce carbon monoxide, then combine carbon monoxide with hydrogen in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor to make a mixture of light hydrocarbons, liquid fuels, and waxes. Air Company has developed an alternate technology based on carbon dioxide hydrogenation, to both circumvent the need for carbon monoxide production and improve the selectivity of fuel production by minimizing wax byproduct. The process has been scaled to a pilot reactor in Brooklyn, NY that produces metric tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and is currently undergoing further scale-up in a small commercial demonstration facility. Concurrent to paraffin synthesis, light alcohols enable production of consumer goods that help to enable efficient technology scale-up.

Jeffrey I. Zink Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series: Ted Betley
2023-03-15 16:00 - 17:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Flyer: Prof. Ted Betley Flyer
Title: Trapping radical intermediates, walking the fine line between stabilization and provocation
Abstract: Our group is interested in how electronic structure makeup directly links to reactivity in inorganic complexes. We explore new means for stabilizing radicaloid ligands to drive new reaction processes. We examine how weak field platforms enable radical generation and explore their utility to drive bond activation and functionalization processes. I will describe our efforts in functional group transfer catalysis in organometallic chemistry and how we understand the electronic structure of the reactive intermediates can dictate selectivity during reactions. Radical stabilization strategies employed include steric isolation and Lewis acid stabilization of the reactive fragments. Lastly, we will describe how covalent bonding can be taken to its limits, stretching our understanding of canonical multiple bonding configurations.

Chem 218 Student Exit Seminar: Charlene Salamat
2023-03-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States

NSF Center for Integrated Catalysis Webinar Series: Matthew Conley
2023-03-16 13:00 - 14:30
Flyer: Prof. Matthew Conley Flyer
Title: An Organometallic Perspective on Surface Functionalization
Abstract: Generation of catalytically active sites on “inert” oxide supports is a robust methodology used by chemical industry togenerate heterogeneous catalysts that mediate most large-scale chemical processes. One of the most important, yetprosaic, features of some heterogeneous catalysts is the inability of active sites to “move” on the support, whichgenerates reactive site-isolated active sites that can have higher activity or selectivity than related homogeneouscatalysts. As chemists, how can we leverage this property in catalyst design? In this webinar I will describeimmobilization of organometallic species onto functionalized surfaces as a method to understand relevant industrialmodels for common Ziegler-type olefin polymerization catalysts (e.g. Cp 2 ZrCl 2 /AlR 3 /oxide) and to more generallyaccess cationic surface species.

Biochemistry Seminar Series - Prof. Francesca M. Marassi
2023-03-17 15:30 - 16:30 | Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 607 Charles E. Young Dr., East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Francesca Marassi Flyer (1)
Title: Calcification of protein-lipid assemblies in macular degeneration: Insights from NMR
Abstract: The ectopic deposits that form in age-related diseases, like macular degeneration, are rich in lipids and proteins involved in innate immunity, and this has been proposed to reflect an immune response to yet unidentified stress cues. Biomolecular NMR spectroscopy, combined with other biophysical methods and functional assays, can provide insights to the molecular interactions and mechanism for calcified deposit formation.
